THE OPPORTUNITY

A major utility company was moving its offices from a location adjacent to the Oradell Reservoir. This location offers spectacular views of the reservoir in a quiet wooded setting within urban Bergen County. The property would provide an ideal location for residential use for the senior community in the area through a redevelopment of the parcel.

THE CHALLENGE

The site location is directly adjacent to the Oradell Reservoir, and this presented several environmental challenges. Many environmental groups voiced concern for the caretaking of the reservoir due to the site’s proximity to it. Given the environmental restrictions, local concerns, and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection interests in the property, the buildable area for a new senior living facility, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, was strictly confined between conservation areas, riparian zones, and floodplains.

THE PS&S SOLUTION

Through early and continued coordination with the environmental groups and with various New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection agency departments, PS&S was able to develop a site layout to respect the regulatory limitations, environment group concerns, and conservation easements.

The site layout preserved much of the existing vegetation on the site, restricting development to the previously developed areas maintaining the spectacular view of the reservoir from the new building. The compact development footprint provided for all the needs of the facility while maintaining the maximum wooded areas. A total of 174 units were incorporated into a four-story building serving the independent living, assisted living, and memory care residents.